Team

Mike Guadango

During his preparation for college baseball where he received multiple All-America honors and set numerous school records, Mike decided that he wanted to enter the world of physical preparation for sport. He began training people part-time while in college, then full-time the day he graduated.

From there he had crossed paths with two incredible world renowned coaches that became mentors and life long friends: Buddy Morris – Arizona Cardinals head strength coach and James Smith – world class sport consultant. After working with them, Mike’s whole approach to training and learning had changed.  He reconstructed his program and outlook on the training process.

Mike went on to be the Director of Sports Performance at a world-renowned facility where he proceeded to train professional, collegiate and high school athletes.

From there, Mike started up his own facility – Freak Strength.

Mike is currently a Coach, Writer & Owner at Freak Strength and has been coaching for over 10 years. He has coached levels of athletes from NFL, MLB, NBA, MLL, MLS, WWE, Rugby League, Rugby Union and Olympic Gold medalists to pre-pubescent athletes.  He has also consulted for high caliber athletes and coaches worldwide. He has worked with NBA Champs, 10+ NFL Super bowl Champs, 10+ All-Pro/Pro-bowl selections, 5+ College National Champions, 10+ Division 1a All-Americans, 20+ Collegiate All-Americans & players from every Division 1 conference.

 

Ryan Nie

  • Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science)- University of Northern Iowa
  • Masters of Science (Exercise Science)- Montclair State University
  • National Strength and Conditioning Association: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
  • USA Weightlifting: Club Coach
  • USA Track and Field Certified
  • Teaches as an adjunct professor at Montclair State University
  • Has worked as a Sports Performance Coach and Director in the private sector for 4 years
  • Was trained in Olympic Style Weightlifting by former Olympian, Jianping Ma, and traveled to China to train with the Chinese National team

  • Is currently a coach and writer for Freak Strength

 

Joe Whittaker

Having developed a passion for coaching speed and power in top flight Rugby back home in the UK – subsequent forays into competitive Olympic Weightlifting, Track Cycling and Bobsled cemented a strong desire to work in athletic development.

During a career coaching athletes of all levels, from Middle School to Professional, he’s been lucky to learn directly from an array of mentors, including legendary Chicago Bulls and 49ers Strength Coach Al Vermeil and Elite Track and Field Coaches Stu McMillan and Dan Pfaff at Altis.

Joe is certified by USA Weightlifting, USA Track and Field and the National Academy of Sports Medicine amongst others.

Andrew Burd

Andrew attended William Paterson University, where he completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science. He is the first intern hired by the gym to join the team and coach due to his work ethic, thirst for knowledge, ability to coach and relate to athletes.  He graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors, as well as receiving the Exercise Physiology award for his academic achievements. After graduating, Andrew became a personal trainer at 24 Hour Fitness, where he earned the title, “Master Trainer” within the first year of employment. Currently, Andrew spearheads the Freak Strength Adult Program as well as works with youth and high school athletes. He plans on returning to school to continue his education.